The growing middle class in these emerging economies seems to be looking West to influence their beverage habits and lifestyles (oh, do I hate that word). In response, world stockpiles of coffee have dwindled to keep up with the growing demand.

However, the greatest growth in demand has been for soluble coffees made from robusta beans. Meaning: cheap instant coffee. You can take Boris out of Murmansk, but you can’t take the Murmansk out of Boris.

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[…] In the world of espresso, India may be known for its Monsooned Malabar and premium robusta beans — both of which are excellent components of an espresso blend (and these beans often make it into the roasts I make at home). But with globalization and the resulting growth in India’s middle class, India has developed into a prime, modern example of a coffee producing nation that is rapidly transforming into a coffee consuming one. […]